The holidays should be a happy time for you, your family, and your furry companions — not a time for emergency visits to the vet. With all the festive decor and delicious foods, our homes could potentially become a giant playground for our kitty friends. Take a minute to read over our most important holiday safety tips to ensure a happy holiday for all.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree — How Careful We Must Be
First rule of thumb: Never underestimate your cat! Even the most docile cat can be tempted to climb your tree, and potentially tip it over. No matter what room you decide to display your tree, be sure to securely anchor it. This way, if you kitty does have a naughty moment, you won’t have to worry about your tree tipping over.
First rule of thumb: Never underestimate your cat! Even the most docile cat can be tempted to climb your tree, and potentially tip it over. No matter what room you decide to display your tree, be sure to securely anchor it. This way, if you kitty does have a naughty moment, you won’t have to worry about your tree tipping over.
Also! Watch out for ribbons, broken ornaments, wrapping paper, and tinsel! Kitties LOVE to bat around and chew on these shiny, noise-making “toys”! However, if ingested, they can cause dangerous blockages in your kitty’s intestines — an automatic emergency vet visit!
Holiday Plants — Pretty, but Poisonous!
Holiday plants are a great way to dress up your house during the holidays. However, many of the plants we love to display can be poisonous and/or dangerous to cats. Here are some of the holiday plants that your cat should never eat or chew on:
Holiday plants are a great way to dress up your house during the holidays. However, many of the plants we love to display can be poisonous and/or dangerous to cats. Here are some of the holiday plants that your cat should never eat or chew on:
- Holly - if ingested, watch for vomiting, lip smacking, or head shaking
- Christmas Tree (Pine Needles) - can cause damage to intestines
- Mistletoe - can cause GI upset, abnormal heart rate or collapse
- Poinsettias - only mildly toxic, but can cause GI upset
- Amaryllis and Daffodils - watch for drooling and vomiting
- Lilies - if ingested, can cause kidney failure
- Christmas Tree (Pine Needles) - can cause damage to intestines
If you decide that you just can’t go without your favorite holiday plants this year, place them well out of your kitty’s reach, or opt for imitation plants; and if you suspect that you pet may have ingested any of these plants — seek veterinary care!
Candles and Lights
Cat love to chew and play with sparkly things — like your decorative lights. Be sure to unplug your lights, when you are not around, and consistently check for any frayed or chew wires. Also, burning candles should alway be placed out of reach, preferably on high shelves or mantels; and if you leave the room, put the candle out! All it takes is one swipe of a paw.
Cat love to chew and play with sparkly things — like your decorative lights. Be sure to unplug your lights, when you are not around, and consistently check for any frayed or chew wires. Also, burning candles should alway be placed out of reach, preferably on high shelves or mantels; and if you leave the room, put the candle out! All it takes is one swipe of a paw.
Milk & Cookies are for Santa - Not Kitty!
Holiday cookies typically contain too much sugar or too much chocolate - either way your kitty should not be nibbling on any pieces. Additionally, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and large amounts of dairy products can cause vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to keep any dairy liquids, including eggnog, away from your kitty. Watch out for these other eggnog ingredients that are dangerous to cats:
Holiday cookies typically contain too much sugar or too much chocolate - either way your kitty should not be nibbling on any pieces. Additionally, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and large amounts of dairy products can cause vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to keep any dairy liquids, including eggnog, away from your kitty. Watch out for these other eggnog ingredients that are dangerous to cats:
- Alcohol - can cause damage to brain and liver
- Raw egg yolks - not toxic, but can contain salmonella.
- Nutmeg/Cinnamon - harmless in small quantities, but dangerous in larger ones.
- Sugar - tend to cause upset stomach, and long term, can lead to tooth decay and diabetes
Other holiday foods to avoid:
- Bones - can splinter and cause injuries to internal organs
- Gravy - too fatty for your kitty!
- Onions/Garlic - causes damage to red blood cells
- Raw dough - toxic to cats, however, small bits of baked bread are fine.
Feed your kitty these foods instead. In moderation, of course!
- White meat turkey or chicken
- Plain veggies — carrots, green beans, peas
- Canned pumpkin, yams, sweet potatoes — not pie filling or candied yams!
Having Guest During the Holidays?
Cats are very sensitive to noise, and have a tendency of running or hiding when they become frightened or confused. We always recommend microchipping your pet — which will increase the chances of your pet being returned to you, in the event that your pet becomes lost and is taken to an animal care facility. If you are unable to microchip your pet before the holiday rush, try confining your kitty to a quiet room. Be sure to include food, fresh water, a litter box, and some of your cat’s favorite toys to keep him or her occupied.
Cats are very sensitive to noise, and have a tendency of running or hiding when they become frightened or confused. We always recommend microchipping your pet — which will increase the chances of your pet being returned to you, in the event that your pet becomes lost and is taken to an animal care facility. If you are unable to microchip your pet before the holiday rush, try confining your kitty to a quiet room. Be sure to include food, fresh water, a litter box, and some of your cat’s favorite toys to keep him or her occupied.
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